How to Buy Skincare for Your Son: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Teenage Skin Right

Otis Skincare

January 15, 2025

Whether your son is dealing with acne, shaving irritation, or just starting to pay attention to his appearance, choosing the right skincare products can make all the difference.

In fact, when it comes to skincare, it’s more than just buying a product; it’s about helping him feel confident and teaching him habits that will benefit him for life.

We understand you want the best for him - something that’s easy to use, effective, and designed for his skin.

That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate what he needs and how you can support him in building a skincare routine that works.

How His Skin Changes as a Teenager

Teenage skin is going through a lot of changes, thanks to hormones. These shifts often result in:

Increased Oil Production: Hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands, leading to oily skin.
Acne and Breakouts: Excess oil and clogged pores can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples.
Sensitivity and Irritation: Shaving, combined with the use of harsh soaps or products, can irritate his skin.
Dryness Post-Washing: Ironically, using products that strip oil can leave skin feeling dry and tight.

How to Help:
The key is balance. Look for products that are gentle yet effective at cleansing and hydrating the skin - without clogging pores or causing irritation.

The Best Skincare Advice to Give a Teenager Going Forward

While skincare products are essential, the habits he develops now will serve him for years to come. Here’s the advice you can share with him:

Cleanse Daily (But Not Too Much):
Over-washing can strip his skin and trigger more oil production. Using a gentle cleanser twice a day is perfect.
Moisturize, Even If He Has Oily Skin:
Many young men think moisturizers will make their skin oilier, but skipping this step can leave skin dehydrated. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer (like OTIS SKINCARE’s Hydrating Daily Moisturizer) is ideal—it hydrates without clogging pores.
Shave Smart:
Shaving can irritate his skin, especially if he’s just starting. Teach him to use a protective shave cream or gel, shave with the grain, and always moisturize afterwards.
Don’t Pick or Pop Pimples:
As tempting as it is, this habit can lead to scarring. Encourage him to treat breakouts with proper products instead.
Use Sunscreen (Even if He Thinks He Doesn’t Need It):
This is the best way to prevent sun damage and premature aging. Start the habit now—it’s easier than trying to fix sun damage later.

Backed by Science:

A study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that using a proper skincare routine significantly reduces acne and improves skin health over time.

Daily sunscreen use was shown to protect against 80% of visible skin aging in a study from the Annals of Internal Medicine.

We have some helpful guides to help him here too:

Action Plan: Building a Young Man’s Skincare Routine

A simple, three-step routine is all he needs to keep his skin clear, healthy, and irritation-free:

1. Clean and Exfoliate

Cleansing is the foundation of great skin.

Start his day with our Daily Face Wash, which does more than just clean—it gently exfoliates too. Formulated with Lactic Acid, a mild AHA, it works to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts without causing irritation.

It’s also packed with Aloe Vera and Glycerin which sooth the skin while maintaining its natural pH balance.

This means his skin will feel clean and refreshed - not tight or stripped - after every wash. And because it’s gentle enough for daily use, it’s the perfect way to start and end his day.

Tip: Encourage him to use it twice a day - morning and night - for the best results. And always use a clean face towel to dry his face afterwards.

2. Hydrate

Follow up with our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer.

It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, which locks in moisture and keeps his skin hydrated without clogging pores. With Vitamin E as an added bonus, it soothes any redness and protects his skin against environmental stressors.

Why It’s Perfect: Hydration is essential—even for oily or acne-prone skin. This moisturizer strikes the perfect balance, leaving his skin smooth, soft, and never greasy.

3. Protect

If he spends time outdoors (sports, school, etc.), sunscreen is crucial. A lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF will shield him from UV damage without feeling sticky or clogging pores.

Bonus Step: Shaving Care

If your son is starting to shave, a little extra care can go a long way in preventing irritation and razor burn.

Use a protective shave cream: Our Protective Shave Cream is perfect for beginners and pros alike. It includes Tea Tree Oil, a natural antibacterial agent that helps to prevent post-shave irritation, and Shea Butter, which hydrates and softens the skin for a smooth glide. This makes shaving easier while protecting his skin from nicks and redness.

Pro Tip: Teach him to shave with the grain to minimize irritation and always rinse his razor after each stroke.

FAQs

Does my teenager really need skincare?
Absolutely. A good skincare routine not only prevents breakouts and irritation now but also sets him up for healthy skin as he grows older.

Won’t moisturizers make his skin oilier?
Not at all! Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers (like OTIS SKINCARE’s Hydrating Daily Moisturizer) are designed to hydrate without clogging pores or causing oiliness.

How often should a teenager wash his face?
Twice a day - once in the morning and once at night – is all that is needed. Over-washing can irritate his skin and trigger more oil production.

What’s the best way for my teenage son to prevent acne?
Encourage him to cleanse daily, avoid touching his face, and use products that won’t clog pores. Consistency is key.

How can I teach him to shave properly?
Start by choosing a protective shaving cream. Teach him to shave with the grain, rinse his razor regularly, and always moisturize afterwards to soothe his skin.